Remco Evenepoel sets clear objective towards Il Lombardia - "It's a new goal and I want to be ready in my head for it"

Remco Evenepoel will have his main goals of the 2023 season in Italy. After a long preparation towards the Giro d'Italia which he will attempt to win in May, the Belgian supertalent admits that he will carry the same goals to Il Lombardia.

"First of all, I wish a little more love and peace on earth after all the horrific events of the past year. In addition, I hope again for a few nice victories so that I can please my supporters," Evenepoel said in an interview with the Weekwatchers radio program. Currently preparing for the 2023 season, he's got a few more weeks of training before debuting his new rainbow jersey at the Vuelta a San Juan. 

His schedule will include several stage-races before an attempt to defend his title at Liège-Bastogne-Liége, and then a stint at the Giro d'Italia. Afterwards it was unclear what his calendar would look like, but it seems clear now that he will eye the World Championships this coming August in Glasgow, Scotland, before preparing towards Il Lombardia.

"I hope for a nice podium place in the Giro. I would really like to win the Giro di Lombardia next year. Not out of revenge for my heavy fall 2 years ago. It's a new goal and I want to be ready in my head for it," he concluded.

He's raced the Giro back in 2021, directly coming back from severe injuries sustained exactly at the Italian monument. Although he says there is no feeling of returning to get vengeance, it was in 2020 that Evenepoel saw his career on the verge of ending after crashing down a ravine during the descent of the Muro di Sormano.

At the time he suffered a pelvic fracture and it was unknown if he would return, and what level he could return to. Although he ended up completely recovering and improving his level, he won't forget the nine months he had away from competition.